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Scots slump as Boks cut loose

Scotland once again couldn’t establish a foothold in the southern hemisphere, but at least this time they left behind a footprint. Where too often in the past crossing the equator has been the equivalent of entering the Bermuda Triangle, Frank Hadden’s team belatedly battled to keep their heads above water as South Africa crashed down on them with the force of Durban surf that leaps but two miles from this ground.

It wasn’t a result with which to announce themselves to the wider world, nor did they break their duck in the Republic, but in defeat at least they offered up a second-half performance that suggests they won’t look out of place when those disparate parties convene in France for the World Cup some 15 months from now.

There was serious danger of losing face as well as the match as a raging first half from the Springboks ripped through